Environmentally friendly high pressure lubricant additive

ABSTRACT

Prior high pressure lubricant additives have contained short-chained chlorinated paraffins which are toxic and harmful to the environment. An environmentally friendly high pressure lubricant additives is provided by combining 74.5% to 84.5% by weight chlorinated alkanes, such as PAROIL 310 NR or PAROIL 353 NR, and from 15.5% to 25.5% by weight mineral oil. The high pressure lubricant additive can be added to motor oil, or other lubricants such as hydraulic fluid, cutting oil, gear box oil, automatic transmission fluid and penetrating oil

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefits, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/159,458 filed May 11, 2015 entitled “ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY HIGH PRESSURE LUBRICANT ADDITIVE” which is incorporated herein by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the field of lubricant additives, and more specifically relates to the field of high pressure, environmentally friendly additives suitable for addition to motor oils and other lubricants.

BACKGROUND

It is well known that some chlorine-based compounds, such as chlorinated paraffins, can serve as lubricant additives to improve the performance of the lubricant under extreme pressure. Chlorinated paraffins have therefore been used as extreme pressure additives in such applications as metal-working. When two metal surfaces are lubricated by a lubricant under extreme pressure between the two metal surfaces, all the liquid lubricant is forced from the area of contact between the surfaces. But where chlorinated paraffin is also present, the resultant heat generated between the two surfaces causes chlorine atoms to be liberated from the additive and to combine with the surface metal, such as iron, to form a chloride, such as iron chloride. This surface coating of chloride has a much lower coefficient of friction than the dry metal surface, and also fills in depressions in the surfaces, causing smoother surfaces and reduced friction at the point of contact.

Chlorinated paraffins have the general chemical formula C_(x)H_(2x+y+2))Cl_(y). They are manufactured by the chlorination of n-paraffin or paraffin wax to form polychlorinated n-alkanes. They are categorized according to their carbon chain length into short chain chlorinated paraffins (C₁₀₋₁₃), medium chain chlorinated paraffins (C₁₄₋₁₇) and long chain chlorinated paraffins (C_(>17)). The chlorine content in chlorinated paraffins can vary between 30 and 70 weight %. Chlorinated paraffins are generally liquid, but may be solid if long chain and highly chlorinated. They are colorless or yellowish depending on the chain length and chlorine content.

When heated, chlorinated paraffins release hydrochloric acid, which is corrosive. This makes chlorinated paraffins generally unsuitable for use in vehicle engine applications or other corrosion sensitive applications. The present inventor invented a composition for use as an extreme pressure lubricant additive which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,825. That additive included chlorinated paraffins but had reduced corrosive properties to render it suitable for use in internal combustion engine lubricants or other applications where corrosion must be avoided. In particular the additive comprised a large amount of chlorinated paraffin and a small amount of an alkaline earth metal sulfonate, preferably calcium or barium sulfonate. The United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Canadian Ministers of the Environment and National Health and Welfare now consider that short-chained chlorinated paraffins, also referred to as Alkanes C₁₂₋₁₃, chloro, are toxic and harmful to the environment. There is a need therefore for an environmentally friendly high pressure lubricant additive.

The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

SUMMARY

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.

Accordingly the invention provides a high pressure lubricant additive comprising from 74.5% to 84.5% by weight chlorinated alkanes, and from 15.5% to 25.5% by weight mineral oil. Preferably the mineral oil includes a minor amount of vitamin E (preferably about the same proportion of the mineral oil as in Chevron SUPERLA™). Optionally a small amount of aloe vera may be added such as six drops (about 0.013 ounces) per 28 ounces of the additive, or about 0.05% by weight. Preferably the chlorinated alkane is PAROIL™ 310 NR or PAROIL™ 353 NR. Preferably the mineral oil is Chevron SUPERLA White Oil, which contains Vitamin E, or Johnson's Baby Oil™ containing both Vitamin E and aloe vera.

According to one preferred embodiment the additive comprises approximately 84.5% by weight PAROIL 310NR, and 15.5% by weight SUPERLA.

One aspect of the invention provides a high pressure additive comprising from 84 to 85% PAROIL 310 NR by weight, and 15 to 16% Chevron SUPERLA by weight. Optionally a small amount of aloe vera may be added such as six drops per 28 ounces of the additive.

According to one aspect of the invention the additive is added to motor oil in a proportion of from about 3 to 6% by weight, preferably about 5%. According to a further aspect of the invention the additive may be added to motor oil in a proportion up to about 25% by weight to 35% by weight. According to a further aspect the additive may be added to standard motor oil in a proportion of about 15% by weight.

According to one aspect of the invention the additive is added to cutting oil in a proportion of about 7.5% by weight.

The invention further provides a method of manufacturing the lubricant additive comprising the steps of adding without blending the components of the mixture at room temperature/ambient temperature, and filtering at least seven times, to produce a clear product.

Further according to the invention a lubricant suitable for use as a motor oil in internal combustion engines is provided by adding one part by weight of the above high pressure lubricant additive to between 10 and 30 parts of standard motor oil. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, approximately one part by weight of the high pressure additive is added to twenty parts standard motor oil. Also according to the invention, the above high pressure lubricant additive may be added to various greases, hydraulic fluid, cutting oil, gear box oil, automatic transmission fluid, air-conditioner refrigerant or penetrating oil to improve the high pressure performance of such lubricants.

Further according to the invention there is provided a method of producing a high pressure additive for lubricants comprising the steps of:

(a) adding 15.5% to 25.5% by weight mineral oil, at ambient temperature, without blending, to 74.5% to 84.5% by weight chlorinated alkanes; and (b) filtering the mixture, preferably multiple times and most preferably at least 7 times.

Preferably the mineral oil contains a minor amount of Vitamin E, (preferably about the same proportion of the mineral oil as in Chevron Superla). Preferably the chlorinated alkanes is a PAROIL 310 NR or PAROIL 353 NR. Preferably the mineral oil is Chevron SUPERLA. A small amount of aloe vera may be added such as six drops (about 0.013 ounces) per 28 ounces of the additive, or about 0.05% by weight.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

FIGS. 1-3 are photographs of pairs of test bearings showing the results of three separate comparative tests performed using three different premium motor oils carried out on a Falex machine. The left hand bearing in each photo was subjected to extreme pressure using an oil-only bath. The right hand bearing in each photo was subjected to extreme pressure using an oil bath with the addition of the high pressure additive of the invention.

DESCRIPTION

Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

Short-chain chlorinated paraffins having a carbon chain length of 12-13 have been banned by United States and Canadian government agencies as environmentally harmful. However the present inventor has discovered that a useful lubricant additive can be produced using chlorinated paraffins having a medium chain length. Such are referred to by CAS name as Alkanes C₁₄₋₁₆, chloro, with a CAS No. 63449-39-8.

The high pressure additive of the invention uses chlorinated paraffins C₁₄₋₁₇ having a medium chain length. Chlorinated paraffins having a medium chain length are referred to herein as “chlorinated alkanes” which is the common current terminology. A preferred form of chlorinated alkanes used in the present invention is the product marketed by Dover Chemical Corporation under the trade mark PAROIL 310 NR, version #7, CAS#63449-39-8 which is an Alkanes C14-16, chloro. A second preferred form of chlorinated alkanes used in the present invention is the product marketed by Dover Chemical Corporation under the trade mark PAROIL 353 NR, CAS#63449-39-8 which is an Alkanes C14, chloro.

A mineral oil base is required for the chlorinated alkanes. Certain mineral oils contain Vitamin E which provides the unexpected benefit that the hands of mechanics or other workmen which come into contact with oil or grease containing the additive are better preserved and cracked dry skin is avoided. Chevron Superla™ White Oil containing Vitamin E, or Johnson's Baby Oil™ containing both Vitamin E and aloe vera are suitable mineral oils. Aloe vera is optionally added as a further skin preserving treatment.

The high pressure lubricant additive is therefore a mixture of from 74.5% to 84.5% by weight chlorinated alkanes, and from 15.5% to 25.5% by weight mineral oil. Preferably the mineral oil includes a minor amount of vitamin E. Optionally a small amount of aloe vera may be added such as six drops per 28 ounces of the additive. Preferably the chlorinated alkane is PAROIL™ 310 NR or PAROIL™ 353 NR. Preferably the mineral oil is Chevron SUPERLA White Oil, which contains Vitamin E, or Johnson's Baby Oil containing both Vitamin E and aloe vera.

A preferred composition of the additive comprises approximately 84.5% by weight PAROIL 310NR, and 15.5% by weight SUPERLA. The high pressure lubricant additive may comprise from 84 to 85% PAROIL 310 NR or PAROIL 353 NR by weight, and 15 to 16% Chevron SUPERLA by weight. Optionally a small amount of aloe vera may be added such as six drops per 28 ounces of the additive.

According to one aspect of the invention the additive is added to motor oil in a proportion of from about 3 to 6% by weight, preferably about 5%. According to a further aspect of the invention the additive may be added to motor oil in a proportion up to about 25% by weight to 35% by weight. According to a further aspect the additive may be added to standard motor oil in a proportion of about 15% by weight. Synthetic, semi-synthetic or parasynthetic motor oil may be substituted for standard or conventional oil.

Further according to the invention a lubricant suitable for use as a motor oil in internal combustion engines is provided by adding one part by weight of the above extreme pressure lubricant additive to between 10 and 30 parts of standard motor oil. According to a preferred aspect of the invention, approximately one part by weight of the high pressure additive is added to twenty parts standard motor oil. Also according to the invention, the above high pressure lubricant additive may be added to various greases, hydraulic fluid, cutting oil, gear box oil, automatic transmission fluid, air-conditioner refrigerant or penetrating oil to improve the high pressure performance of such lubricants

According to one aspect of the invention the additive is added to cutting oil in a proportion of about 7.5% by weight.

The method of manufacturing the lubricant additive comprises the steps of adding without blending the components of the mixture at room temperature/ambient temperature, and filtering at least seven times, to produce a clear product. The mixing is preferably done without blending. The ingredients may be mixed without heating at room or ambient temperature. In tests conducted, the invention has shown good compatibility with standard types of motor oil.

The method of producing the high pressure additive for lubricants therefore comprises the steps of: (a) adding 15.5% to 25.5% by weight mineral oil, at ambient temperature, without blending, to 74.5% to 84.5% by weight chlorinated alkanes; and (b) filtering the mixture, preferably multiple times and most preferably at least 7 times.

Preferably the mineral oil contains a minor amount of Vitamin E, preferably the same proportion of the mineral oil as in Chevron SUPERLA, but it may be approximately about 0.05% by weight. Preferably the chlorinated alkanes is a PAROIL 310 NR or PAROIL 353 NR. Preferably the mineral oil is Chevron SUPERLA. A small amount of aloe vera may be added such as six drops (about 0.013 ounces) per 28 ounces of the additive, or about 0.05% by weight.

Test

The effectiveness of the invention as a high pressure lubricant was demonstrated using a Falex Timken Extreme Pressure Test machine. This machine utilizes an electric motor to rotate a steel bearing race at high speed. A stationary test steel bearing is brought into contact with the rotating bearing race. This is done by inserting the bearing into the end of a pivoting arm which is allowed to rest in contact with the rotating bearing. The arm is in turn levered by a second rotating arm to the end of which weights may be applied. The effect of the arrangement of the arms is to provide a greatly magnified pressure through the principle of the lever to the point of contact with the rotating bearing race. Because of the small area of contact, a very great pressure is applied by the stationary bearing to the rotating bearing race. The rotating bearing race sits in a bath of the lubricant being tested in order to flood the contact area with lubricant.

The bearing race was initially allowed to rotate in a bath of a first standard motor oil, and the end of the arm with the test bearing is allowed to rest on the rotating race with a fixed pressure applied (15 pounds was applied to end of the lever mechanism) for a fixed period, 30 seconds in this case. The first test bearing is then removed and examined and the width of any Gaul (scar) is measured. A second test bearing is then installed in the machine. The procedure is then repeated, but an amount of the high pressure lubricant additive of the invention is added to the motor oil bath in which the bearing race is rotating. Again, the test bearing is allowed to rest in contact against the rotating race with the same pressure, and for the same duration as previously. The second test bearing is then removed and examined and the width of any Gaul (scar) is measured. The amount of scarring was compared as between the initial oil-only bath and the second oil with additive bath.

In this case three premium motor oils (Penzoil™ 5W-30, Mobil™ 10W-30 and Quaker State™ 10W-30) were separately tested using the Falex machine and the foregoing procedure. For the oil-plus-additive bath, 1.5 ounces of the high pressure lubricant additive of the invention was added to one quart of motor oil. FIGS. 1-3 show the resulting six test bearings. In each figure the left-hand bearing is the test bearing used in the oil-only bath and the right-hand bearing is the test bearing used in the oil-plus-additive bath. For the first premium motor oil shown in FIG. 1, the left-hand bearing had a scar 10 mm in width. The right-hand bearing had no measurable scar. For the second premium motor oil shown in FIG. 2, the left-hand bearing had a scar 11 mm in width. The right-hand bearing had no measurable scar. For the third premium motor oil shown in FIG. 3, the left-hand bearing had a scar 10 mm in width. The right-hand bearing had no measurable scar.

In addition to serving as a high pressure additive for motor oils, the lubricant additive of the invention may also be added to other lubricants and fluids such as greases, metal cutting lubricants, machine oil, industrial gear lubricants, hydraulic oils (excluding hydraulic brake fluid), automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid, penetrating oil, and air conditioning refrigerant. In all these applications, the additive of the invention serves to reduce friction and metal wear under extreme pressure situations, and also serves to reduce corrosion. It has also been found that by adding the high pressure additive product of the invention to a gasoline or diesel fuel conditioner, the performance of the internal combustion engine is improved through lubrication of the moving metal parts which come into contact with the fuel in the upper end of the engine. The additive is useful as an additive for cutting oil used in computerized numerical control machines for manufacturing medical body parts such as hip and shoulder joints. By using 7.5% by weight of the additive in the cutting oil, the surface of the lathed or milled product becomes hardened.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the invention be interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope. 

1. A high pressure lubricant additive comprising from 74.5% to 84.5% by weight chlorinated alkanes, and from 15.5% to 25.5% by weight mineral oil.
 2. The high pressure lubricant additive of claim 1 wherein the mineral oil comprises vitamin E.
 3. The high pressure lubricant additive of claim 1 further comprising about 0.05% by weight aloe vera.
 4. The high pressure lubricant additive of claim 1 wherein said chlorinated alkane is PAROIL 310 NR or PAROIL 353 NR.
 5. The high pressure lubricant additive of claim 1 comprising from 84 to 85% PAROIL 310 NR by weight, and 15 to 16% mineral oil by weight
 6. The high pressure lubricant additive of claim 5 comprising approximately 84.5% by weight PAROIL 310NR, and 15.5% by weight mineral oil.
 7. A lubricant comprising the high pressure lubricant additive of claim 1 wherein the lubricant is selected from the group consisting of greases, motor oil, hydraulic oil and fluid, cutting oil, metal cutting lubricants, machine oil, industrial gear lubricants. gear box oil, automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid and penetrating oil.
 8. The lubricant of claim 7 comprising a motor oil and 3 to 6% by weight of the high pressure lubricant additive of claim
 1. 9. The lubricant of claim 8 comprising about 5% by weight of the high pressure lubricant additive of claim
 1. 10. The lubricant of claim 7 comprising one part of by weight of the high pressure lubricant additive of claim 1 and between 10 and 30 parts of motor oil.
 11. A lubricant comprising a motor oil and up to about 25% by weight to 35% by weight of the high pressure lubricant additive of claim
 1. 12. The lubricant of claim 11 comprising about 15% by weight of the high pressure lubricant additive of claim
 1. 13. The lubricant of claim 7 comprising a cutting oil and about 7.5% by weight of the high pressure lubricant additive of claim
 1. 14. A method of producing a high pressure additive for lubricants comprising the steps of: (a) adding 15.5% to 25.5% by weight mineral oil, at ambient temperature, without blending, to 74.5% to 84.5% by weight chlorinated alkanes; and (b) filtering the mixture.
 15. The method of claim 14 comprising repeating the filtering step a plurality of times.
 16. The method of claim 14 comprising repeating the filtering step at least 7 times. 